HYMN #0613 A&M #613 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 6 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #613: Praise to the Heavenly Wisdom

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

I '-^j I
EAISE to the Heavenly Wisdom
The saintly life's beginnings,
The traitor's secret fall ;

Our own ascended Master.
Who heard His Church's cry,
Made known His gniding presence,
And rjled her from on high.

Elect in His foreknowledge,
To fill the lost one's place ;
He fomi'd His chosen vessel
Ey hidden gifts of grace,

Then, by the lot's disposing.
He lifted np the poor.
And set him with the Princes
On hi2:h for evermore.

For on the golden breastplate
Of our great Priest above,
Twelve are the st-ones that glisten
As throbs that Heart of Love ;

And twelve the fair foundations
Of Salem's jasper wall ;
And twelve the thrones predestined
Within her judgment-hall.

Xo mystic gem is lacking
In that Divine array ;
Xo empty throne shall darken
The glory of that day :

For lo '. on Twelve the SrnRiT,
The Father's Promise, came;
And Twelve went forth together
To preach the saving Xame.

Still guide Thy Church, Chief Shepherd,
Her losses still renew :
Ee Thv dread kevs entrusted W-, — ^
May all her rulers be.

That each with joy may render
His last account to Thee !
St. Iltattljtfo iht l^postlc,

Amen.

← Prev (#612) Hymn 613 of 638 Next (#614) →

🔎 Browse All 638 A&M Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Praise to the Heavenly Wisdom"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #613 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 11 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 6
Stanza Structure: 11 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →